Hammerhead has today launched a new version of its Karoo smart bike computer. The new unit replaces the Karoo 2 model featured in our best bike computer guide. The new computer has been named Karoo, and although it is the third generation Karoo computer, it will not be called the ‘Karoo 3’.
Sram acquired Hammerhead at the end of 2021 and as a result, this new computer promises greater integration with Sram AXS technology. The new Sram Red AXS groupset was also launched today and the new Karoo computer is included with the new Red groupset. Users can control their computer using the ‘bonus buttons’ of the red AXS shifters and AXS blips. We understand that certain bike manufacturers will also specify Karoo head units as standard on more expensive bikes fitted with the new Red AXS groupset.
Hammerhead says the Karoo has undergone a complete overhaul. With more storage space, a slightly different appearance and more options. There’s now 64GB of memory for more offline map storage, in addition to 4GB of RAM and a faster processor. A brand new companion app for iOS and Android has also been launched, which will help with navigation. Hammerhead says users can send a PIN directly from Google Maps to their Karoo units and navigate with it.
So what else is new? Well, the physical profile, layout and design of the buttons have changed and the SIM card slot is gone. Battery life is also said to be improved by 30% compared to the Karoo 2, with a full charge taking less than 2.5 hours. There are also some new training aids such as interval assistance for scheduled workouts.
I’ve been testing a new Karoo unit over the past month and you can read my full review here.
The Karoo has new buttons and an adjustable holder (Image credit: Sram)
Hammerhead says the Karoo ‘represents the pinnacle of innovation, design and performance’, allowing users to focus on the road rather than their equipment.
The Karoo is equipped with a new ambient light sensor and a Gorilla Glass cover screen with touchscreen technology. The computer has received a faster processor that doubles the processing speed, while the memory and battery size have also been increased. There’s also a new dedicated power button and a new button layout and design. The brand says the Karoo’s buttons are larger and easier to use with a clearer ‘click’.
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Hammerhead has also introduced a new mount that allows for an adjustable fore/aft position, although the new unit is backwards compatible with the old mount. We understand that this is intended to assist users in gripping the computer and that it has no specific aerodynamic benefits.
A new Hammerhead app for iOS and Android means the device will harness the power of users’ smartphones to assist with map creation and navigation, compared to the Karoo 2, which has a SIM card slot. Hammerhead also says users will have the option to post a Google or Apple Maps PIN to Karoo so you can navigate to it or save it as a navigation PIN.
Other features include Multi-band navigation technology, the ability to choose your preferred route surface from road, MTB or gravel, world maps are free and there’s also automatic climb detection regardless of route. Hammerhead says the workout player on Karoo will now also support TrainerRoad and Trainingpeaks.
Hammerhead’s regular software updates will continue to roll out (as you would expect) and will continue to do so for the Karoo 2 unit for the foreseeable future. The brand also promises ‘unparalleled connectivity’ with Sram AXS products, something we reported on in 2022.
The official specification list (Image credit: hammerhead shark)
New AXS compatibility
Now that Hammerhead has been acquired by Sram it stands to reason that there will be a closer bond and more shared compatibility between the two brands, the new Karoo looks to build on this.
Riders can use their AXS blips (not just the new red AXS bonus buttons) to control the computer itself. Hammerhead says users simply log into Karoo with their AXS account, which will link users’ AXS systems and components.
The brand also says that AXS controllers can be programmed to control a wide range of functions on the computer itself. It also alerts riders when an AXS component’s battery is low.
